Master expands their M-series with a (literally) solid new offering.
2021 Master MPro
Specs:
Weight: 12.8 - 13.5oz/362 - 382 grams
Head size: 93 sq. in.
Balance: Even (Adjustable)
Grit: Master Super Grit (M30/Pro Grit Blend)
Grip: Master 4 Layer Cushion
Features: Edge tuning capability, Enhanced Sweet Spot, grit-free throat, ribbon frame technology
Price: $219 (+$22 for Edge Tuning Kit)
First Impressions:
Master has sold the medium-density M1 and low-density M2 paddles for a couple years, and has finally released the high-density MPro to complete the trifecta. This brings their range in line with Viking and Wilson with regard to options. Master has also doubled down on paddle customization by using a tennis-style butt cap that allows players to customize weighting even further.
Looks:
Awesome. With the exception of the grey "EDGE" crescents that make the face a bit too busy, the paddle looks killer. All black with a subtly outlined star is a fantastic combo. Sure, the matte paint on the original M1 looked a little better. And there might be a bit too much text on the paddle face. But it's far and away the best looking paddle in the current Master lineup.
Sound and Feel:
Though the MPro is only 2 grams heavier than the M1 and M2, the dense head means that the it swings a good deal heavier than other Master paddles. The ability to add weights to both ends of the paddle is extremely useful, as some players might want to lower the swing weight.
On contact, the MPro sounds pretty solid, but the it doesn't necessarily feel dense, and the ball pops off the face with about as much velocity as the rest of the M-series.
The feel of this high-density paddle is perhaps best compared to the Viking Re-Ignite series than to the M1 and M2. The MPro is definitely the firmest of the lot, but while it's a couple steps firmer than the M1, it's not that different than the Viking paddles.
Performance:
Like it's M-series brethren, the MPro is a great all-round paddle. It has loads of power without sacrificing forgiveness. The grit is aggressive, and its impressively controllable for how dense it is. It hasn't been super popular among top tournament players, but we see no reason why it can't be used at the top level.
The only knock on the MPro is that out of the box is that it's a touch too head-heavy for physically smaller players. Some people might be able to muscle it around, but you'd probably want to play with the weighting to allow for maximum versatility.
Conclusion:
It's not groundbreaking by any stretch of the imagination, but the MPro is a strong performer in every facet of the game. If you like the Master lineup but want a solid core more similar to Viking's, it would be hard to go wrong with the MPro.